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Germany international follows in footsteps of Man Utd star

The former World Cup winner revealed the news – you guessed it – via Instagram and revealed that it is time to move on.

“I have told the Bundestrainer [Joachim Low] that I will no longer play for the national team. I will take things easier and devote myself to other things,” Podolski wrote on Instagram.

“The decision has been difficult for me. The Nationalmannschaft has always been a matter of the heart for me. But I felt on holiday after the Euros that my focus has shifted. There is a time for everything, and my time with the DFB is over.”

Podolski and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger were the last members of the historic 2006 World Cup team who played on home soil. Both players were also part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Schweinsteiger announced his retirement from international football in July and now Podolski has also left the national side.

Podolski was the third highest goal scorer in German but hasn’t scored a goal for the national team in a competitive game in more than four years.

The 31-year-old was called up for the Euro 2016 Germany side by Joaquim Low but struggled for playing time.

The experienced striker joined Galatasaray from Arsenal last season and has already won two trophies since his arrival – the Turkish Cup and Super Cup.